1

Action between Dalhousie and a Military team.
1940-1949
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

2

The origins of football in Atlantic Canada can be traced back prior to the 1930s. In the 1930s, football did not seem to catch on in the Atlantic Canada because it was entrenched more in the Eastern provinces. Football of any kind was first played in 1933 when the American rules were being played in Nova Scotia, and this game was played between the Dalhousie Americans and the St. Mary's Irish.

The following year in 1934, Halifax set up an American football style league which consisted of three teams; Saint Mary's, Dalhousie, and the Ardmore Athletic Club. This football league just lasted during the 1934 season and Dalhousie won the only championship. With Dalhousie winning the only championship for the league, St. Mary's was the club that tried to keep the league going, but failed because the people of Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada were not too interested in football until after World War II.

3

The next evolution of football was in 1942, when Canadian football decided to step up and try their luck with Atlantic Canada. As stated earlier, Canadian Football started in 1942 when a professional team called the Wanderers decided to play the Navy in front of 3500 fans. With that game played, a high school league was formed with the military being the coaches. With Canadian football taking strides, Rugby and hockey was still dominating Atlantic Canada.

4

Action between Dalhousie and a Military team.
1940-1949
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

5

Football's next evolution was during 1953, when a football dynasty was being formed. This dynasty was the St. Francis Xavier when they decided to form a team, and with them forming team rugby was not being played that much anymore.